Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
Together with my family, we went to Singapore early March, partly to visit my wife’s brother and secondly to soak up on what Singapore has to offer. My mom and dad went to Singapura(Lion City in Malay) in 2004 for a exhibit and they were all praises for the 710.2 km2(and growing) City State. It’s Three and a half the size of Cebu City, my home town, but it’s densely populated with a 4.8 million population, it can get crowded out there.
Unlike my previous trip, I did not, was not or just plainly too lazy to make a detailed itinerary. I however was able to research some of the sites the family must go to and experience. This included the world famous Singapore Zoo. I’ll make another post on some of the other things we did in Singapore on my future post.
My borther-in-law was able to secure us a Zoo Membership card which entitled us to free entrance and discounts to food establishments inside the zoo, Yahooo ! Singapore also has a reputation of being an expensive City, so every dollar saved is very well welcomed.
The Zoo is in the middle of the island, in near the part of the City they call woodlands. We stayed with my bro at Jurong so it was near the zoo, just a couple of stations by MRT and a bus ride. Before going, I thought we could stay at the Zoo until 4 or 5 and move on to CBD at night, my I was wrong on that plan. We got off at Choa Chu Kang MRT station and on the adjoining bus station took the 927 Bus, you can’t miss the Zoo.
TIP : Get the EZlink card, it works for the MRT, Bus and some establishments like Mcdonalds and 7eleven. Transport prices are cheaper using this and it saves the hassle of carrying and paying in coins.
We arrive at the Zoo a little before lunch, the entrance to the Zoo merited a couple of photo sessions as it was magnificent. before going in, a couple of food establishments were open one of which that caught my eye was Ben and Jerrys, the ice cream I missed most from the states, It turns out, the Singapore Zoo branch was the first in Southeast Asia. Since it was almost lunch, we ate lunch and KFC, as expected no rice, ok for me but for my wife and in-laws it was the contrary, good thing we packed rice just for lunch.
Going into the Zoo we were immediately greeted by birds of different species while on their feeding time, a great photo opportunity. While on the left side was the Zoo gift shop, but we saved the gift shop time as our last experience for our Zoo visit. We first saw some Crocodiles that were huge, but we had those here so we immediately moved onto the next.
Next stop was the tigers, a bit far from the viewing deck and separated by a ravine, I guess for our protection. They were just lounging around and glancing at us from time to time, what magnificent animals they were. Next on the trail were the Pygmy Hippo’s, at first, we could not find them among the rocks, it turns out, they had their backs(ass) facing us and it kinda looked the same as the rocks(hahaha).
The Kangaroos on the Australian Outback section of the Zoo was great, too bad the feeding time was in the afternoon so we just gazed at the kangaroos, their was also a torn jeep where visitors could have their photo taken making the entire scene more outback feeling.
We then hurriedly went to the Birthday pavilion as their was a Animal Friends Show, we had to cut across the trails to get their on time. This was on the newest section of the Zoo, the Kidzworld, one of the great things on this section is that their was a KFC and Ben and Jerry’s, this was a good opportunity to get some ice cream while watching the show. The show itself was not as spectacular but the actors and the animals played their part well.
We then went to the Rainforest fights back show at the Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre, this show was more elaborate and where participated by more interesting animals. A couple of birds, otters, monkeys and others with a very colorful performance by a peacock. Next show on the itinerary is the Elephants of Asia, highly recommended by our host. It is advised to stay in the middle but not too far in front as the elephants perform activities using large logs, there is a possibility of getting wet.
TIP : For the shows, get to the venue early as good seats get scooped up fast.
We enjoyed the Elephants, amazing creatures. Last show on the list is the Splash Safari at the Splash Amphitheatre. It was a mini-version of what you get to see at Ocean Park Hong Kong but it was more intimate. Starred by a dugong and a Sea Lion. Photo Opportunity with the sea lion at the end of the show for everyone. Great show, a must for visitors.
This was the last show and we decided to take it easy and stroll at a slower pace. We went through the butterfly walk, my in-laws tried to look for the butterfly’s in vain, I had to break it to them that this was a section where fauna conducive for butterfly’s where placed but it’s not a guarantee there will be butterfly’s. We then saw a couple of primates and a couple of Orang Utan’s in the section where they where free to move around, even on top of the trail’s, watch out as they do their thing, you might get wet below. Remember to always look up.
We then went to gaze at the Rhino’s, Ostrich, Cheetah, Zebra and the one of the best, the Lions. A couple of reptiles inside smaller trails but the Lion was the best. Just like the Tigers earlier, a ravine separated us. One of the off animals but equally interesting and magnificent was the Polar Bear, in a ice cold chamber.
Next thing we knew, it was almost 6 and we decided to take the River Boat Ride to get back near the entrance of the zoo, a nice way to cap off a day in the Zoo. Before going out, it was the right opportunity to spend some time at the gift shop.
Since, it was already 6, we decided not to go to the CBD and spend the evening at the Night Safari. Just across the Zoo. Too bad our free pass did not cover the night safari but since we were already there, might as well make the visit complete and save us the time of going back just for the safari.
The Night Safari is one of the unique things we could experience and truly a one of a kind in Asia. A couple of photo opportunities on the entrance, and more shops to buy gifts and food. First on the Agenda is the Creatures of the Night show. A good one and a must for visitors. A little bit like the Rainforest Fights Back show at the Zoo but this time featuring creatures of the night. One interesting part is a reptile which is part of the show which gets lost, be sure to look under your seats(hahaha).
After the show, it was dinner time, We ate at Bongo Burgers which gave us a good view of the tribal performance, specially with the fire eating part of the show. After which, a hop on the tram for a guided tour of the entire park with good and informative commentary of the animals. The tram stops in the middle of the safari and you get a chance to go on a trail.
TIP : Bring a flash light
The trail is dark quite and gives you a feeling that you are really in the middle of a safari. A couple of interesting animals on the trail and is a must for a complete safari experience. After which, continue on with the Tram tour.
After the Tram, we decided not to go through the other walking trails and just go home. What a tiring but fun day.
Orville
Nice one Jao. I am planning also to bring my family to Hongkong